If you’ve been hearing the buzz about Saudi Arabia’s ultra-luxury Red Sea coastline, Shura Island is the name to know. Set in the Al Wajh Lagoon between Umluj and Al Wajh, this dolphin-shaped island is the main hub of The Red Sea destination. Home to 11 resorts, a world-class marina, an 18-hole island golf course, and a design ethos that puts nature first.
With its first resorts and attractions opening this season (SLS The Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort) and more brands to follow, Shura Island is stepping onto the global stage as a showcase for regenerative tourism.
What & Where is Shura Island?
- The hub of The Red Sea: Shura anchors a 92-island archipelago within the pristine Al Wajh Lagoon, a 2,081 km² marine area of coral reefs, seagrass and mangroves.
- The Masterplan: Foster + Partner's “Coral Bloom” concept shapes Shura with lightweight, low-impact architecture that blends into dunes and mangroves. No high-rises, minimal land disturbance, and native landscaping.
- Access to the Mainland: A 3.3-km causeway with a 1.2-km over-water bridge links Shura to the coast (Saudi Arabia’s longest internal bridge) allowing smooth transfers from the airport and highway.
Saudi Arabia’s longest internal "Shura Bridge" spans 3.3 kilometers and connects the mainland to the hub island of Shura.
What’s Opening on Shura Island in 2025–26
The Red Sea has officially opened with its first five resorts, introducing a new world-class tourism destination on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. Guests can now enjoy SLS The Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort.
This is just the beginning. Phase one also features a new international airport (RSI) and 16 resorts spread across islands and inland sites, adding up to about 3,000 rooms operated by leading global brands. More openings are on the way in the coming months, including Faena, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah, Miraval, Raffles, and Rosewood.
By 2030, The Red Sea will grow to 50 hotels with 8,000 rooms and over 1,000 homes across 22 islands and six inland sites. To protect its pristine environment, the destination will be limited to one million visitors per year.
Signature Experiences
Shura Links: Golf by the Sea
Golfers get something genuinely rare: a true island course where sea breezes and mangrove channels shape play. Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course by Curley-Wagner Design (Brian Curley), with a Foster + Partners clubhouse and a two-acre “Camelbacks” putting course.
Highlights:
- Routing & feel: Wide, angled fairways encourage multiple lines; greens use punchbowls, feeder slopes and backstops to promote the ground game. Minimal formal bunkering melts into natural sand.
- Memorable holes: Par-3s 6 and 15 play straight to the sea; 16 is a drivable par-4; 18 finishes at an iconic timber-leaf clubhouse by Foster + Partners.
- Turf & tech: Platinum TE paspalum (salt-tolerant), soil sensors, and precision foliar feeding reduce water and inputs; only ~20% of the 140-hectare site is maintained turf.
“Shura Links is an environmentally sensitive site and because Platinum TE thrives in hot, arid environments and uses less inputs, it matches the overall sustainability goals of the Red Sea development.” — John Holmes, co-founder of Atlas Turf Arabia.
World-Class Marina
A social heart of Shura, the world‑class marina welcomes private yachts with ample berths and seamless concierge services. Along the waterfront, a palm‑shaded promenade links chef‑led restaurants, café terraces, and curated retail, perfect for sunset strolls and late‑night people‑watching. The marina village will host pop‑up markets and live entertainment on weekends, anchoring the island’s social life and giving a lively counterpoint to the quiet beaches.
How Do You Get to Shura Island?
To get to Shura Island, you fly into Red Sea International Airport (RSI). Domestic services by Saudia began in 2023; flydubai launched the first overseas route in 2024; Qatar Airways adds three weekly Doha-RSI flights from 21 October 2025. From RSI, transfers to Shura take around 30-45 minutes.
Design DNA: Coral Bloom
Foster + Partner's Coral Bloom avoids heavy construction, instead using off-site fabrication, lightweight materials and landform-sensitive siting. New beaches and a protective lagoon help raise land levels without harming existing shores, while hotels sit low among dunes to preserve views and habitat. The result feels organic, modern and quietly spectacular.
Sustainability Pillars You’ll Notice
1. Energy
- The Red Sea destination is powered entirely by solar microgrids and one of the world’s largest off-grid battery systems (≈1.3 GWh). This ensures 24/7 clean energy, making it a benchmark for sustainable tourism. Beyond reducing emissions, the system cuts reliance on fossil fuels and sets a global standard for regenerative development. It’s a model of how luxury travel can coexist with environmental responsibility.
2. Conservation
Less than 1% of the wider Red Sea destination is being developed, with 75% of islands left untouched. Nine islands have been designated as special conservation zones to protect endangered species such as hawksbill turtles. The long-term goal is to achieve a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040, making the project a leader in balancing tourism with environmental protection.
Where to Stay on Shura Island
Open/Opening Now
- SLS The Red Sea: Fashion-forward luxury with private villas and a social buzz.
- The Red Sea EDITION: High-design rooms and suites, spa, pool, and sleek dining; island transfers included in the room rate.
- InterContinental The Red Sea Resort: Coral-inspired design, five dining venues, spa and events spaces.
Coming Soon
- Four Seasons Resort Red Sea at Shura Island: Family-friendly luxury with three pools, six restaurants and lounges (alcohol-free), spa and kids’ programs.
- Faena, Fairmont, Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah, Miraval, Raffles, Rosewood: A curated mix of lifestyle, wellness and ultra-luxury brands landing through 2025–26.
Residences
- Four Seasons Private Residences at Shura: 75 villas (dune and waterside), with access to Shura Links and residents’ amenities. Shura Marina Residences adds waterfront apartments beside the yacht marina.
Things to Do at Shura Island (Beyond the Beach)
- Sail & Yacht: Step out from the marina for island-hopping, dolphin spotting and sunset cruises. (World-class marina facilities are integral to Shura’s masterplan.)
- Snorkel & Dive: Explore coral gardens and seagrass meadows within a carefully managed lagoon. Please follow reef-safe guidelines (more below).
- Wellness & Dining: Expect destination spas and a growing roster of restaurants lining the promenade and resorts as phases open out.
- Family Time: Beach clubs, kids’ programs (e.g., Four Seasons’ Kids for All Seasons) and safe, car-light environments make it easy to relax.
Practicalities & Travel Tips for Shura Island
Visas & Entry
Most visitors are eligible for Saudi eVisa; check official portals before you book. (Pair with your resort confirmation and RSI flights for a smooth process.)
Getting In & Around
- Fly to RSI, then continue by electric vehicle or boat along the Shura Crossing. (Resorts will coordinate transfers.)
- Expect quiet, car-lite mobility on island: EV sedans and buses, e-buggies and electric boats prioritized to keep air and sound pollution low.
Climate & Best time
Warm year-round with sea breezes; winter brings milder days and glassy snorkeling conditions, while summer is hottest (pack reef-safe sunscreen and sun layers).
Culture & etiquette
- Resorts are family-friendly and alcohol-free; luxury is expressed through service, wellness, culinary craft and nature immersion. Dress modestly in public spaces; beachwear is fine within resort zones.
The Future of Sustainable Escape
Shura Island distills what the Red Sea renaissance is all about: brave design, serious conservation, and a guest experience that’s sunny, slow, and superlative. Whether you come for the first island championship golf course, the marina lifestyle, or to simply unwind among mangroves and coral shallows, Shura promises something rare: luxury that gives back.
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